Story perspectives

Iran's Hardline Shift: IRGC Dominates After Key Deaths

3/21/2026

Summary

Story summary

The deaths of Ali Larijani, Iranian political figure, and Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader, shift Iran toward hardline leadership dominated by the IRGC.
Sadiq Larijani, Ali Larijani's brother, is a leading candidate for succession, backed by IRGC ties.
Mojtaba Khamenei, newly appointed, remains largely absent.
Experts warn the regime will become more militant as it faces U.S. and Israel pressure, requiring successors to align with the IRGC to survive.

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Story summary

The deaths of Ali Larijani, Iranian political figure, and Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader, shift Iran toward hardline leadership dominated by the IRGC.
Sadiq Larijani, Ali Larijani's brother, is a leading candidate for succession, backed by IRGC ties.
Mojtaba Khamenei, newly appointed, remains largely absent.
Experts warn the regime will become more militant as it faces U.S. and Israel pressure, requiring successors to align with the IRGC to survive.